Imee lauds Ilocos Norte’s high crime solution efficiency

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Laoag City—Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos lauded the Ilocos Norte police for its intensified drive against criminality resulting to a 59 percent crime solution efficiency.

Based on the latest update on peace and order in the province, records show that Ilocos Norte has recorded a crime clearance of 73 percent, or a crime solution efficiency of 59 percent, the highest so far compared to previous years.

“We thank the PNP, military and the coast guard for their relentless anti-drug and illegal firearms campaigns which has restored our place as the most peaceful province in the north,” the governor said.

According to Ms. Marcos, there are now fewer motorcycle riding-in-tandem shooting incidents due to strengthened efforts to go hunt down the most wanted persons as well as a strengthened crackdown against criminal syndicates in the province.

Led by P/Sr. Supt. Antonio P. Mendoza Jr., acting police provincial director the police’s innovative approach to eliminate crimes through a citizens' crime watch is now showing results.

Earlier, the police launched the Motorcycle Anti- Street Crime Operatives BPATS (Barangay Peace Action Teams) Anti-Street Crime for Direct Operations (MASCOBADO), training civilian motor riders who have been assisting the local police in keeping peace and order in the community.

“But we never take peace and order for granted. Anti-criminality, community intelligence, operations, the use of technology and forensic science all have to be prioritized,” Ms. Marcos added. 

From January to May, Ilocos Norte has some 1,248 crime incidents or lower than the number of crimes during the same period last year which was at 2,000 crime incidents.

The PNP hopes that with the continued cooperation of force multipliers—barangay tanods, BPATS and enforcers, the crime volume in Ilocos Norte will be significantly reduced.